Program 155 – On To the End of the Road


Running time: 00:32:00 Size: 14.5 MB
Here it is — the end of the road at Carolina Beach, NC. Ryan is my camera man.
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And I thought you might like to see us crazy Californians going nuts in the snow!
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I couldn’t resist sharing the rest of the pictures from my trip – so the pictures then podcast links will be in chronological order.
This Mississippi Welcome center rates 5 stars in my book. The following photos will show you why.

This dress was the most intricate of all that were on display. It is more amazing than you can imagine.
The costumes on the right and left are for the men in the parade.

Celebrating NASA, the train around this has space ships all the way around. The beading is exquisite.

Isn’t this crocheted doily beautiful? I love how they have it matted.
Stebbins Visitors center, where you can hop a shuttle bus and take a free tour at the nearby space center where they tested this little thing:
The LEM, short for Lunar Excursion Module. Seeing it in person, it’s hard to believe that two grown men could actually fit inside it! After seeing “From the Earth to the Moon”, I have a deep appreciation for the crews that took those historic flights.
Then on to Alabama and Georgia, where I met this wonderful lady, Sandi Cain.

And we visited a new quilt shop in her area, Georgia Sewing and Quilting, a great shop!
Owner, Jeanne (second from the left) and Staff
(The quilt hanging above us was made by a staff member. The quilt was designed by Deb Karasik and is in her new book. Isn’t it breathtaking?!)



Leigh Anne, getting ready to fire up the Handi-Quilter
The South Carolina visitor’s center is very nice, with all kinds of great information for the traveler.
I especially liked this sign, which told me that I would have inclement weather on the rest of my trip. Whew!

Denice Eubanks with her quilty likeness, made by a friend. It was so fun to meet Quilting Stash listeners!
My new favorite cup was given to me by Denise – which has the symbols of South Carolina on it. The Palmetto tree was used for its’ porous wood, used to build forts during the Civil War. The wood withstood the barrage so the forts remained standing. The crescent moon was the symbol on Confederate Soldiers caps. (I didn’t know that?!) The cup is really nice and sturdy and perfect for dunking Oreos — my treat when I watch LOST.
Then, I finally made it to North Carolina and Ryan and Karen’s where I promptly forgot to take a picture of my arrival — I was so happy to be there and so totally frozen. We all enjoyed cups of hot chocolate that Sandi Cain sent with me as a bon voyage. It was so cold while I was there that we finished the tin of hot chocolate mix! Yummy!!
On the night before I left NC for home, we made an unplanned visit to Thimble Pleasures, which was recommended to me by my pal, Kay MacKenzie, who is a native Chapel Hill girl. She said that it was the best – and I tend to agree ; )

It was SO fun to meet Celeste, who was totally surprised when she heard my voice. Ryan and Karen were tickled that someone actually knew me.
Thimble Pleasures owner, Julie, with Diane and Celeste.

Susan Powell’s quilts are on display on the wall above.

Batiks and Berninas
Karen West’s class at Thimble Pleasures
Last bit of pictures at Ryan and Karen’s:
411 West, our favorite restaurant in Chapel Hill
Carolina Beach — gorgeous!
Facing North, which would be South if I were at home. Weird!
Shells and rocks collected at Morro Bay beach, where I started my trip.
Carolina Beach shells, where I ended my trip. Such a difference in beaches and what I found there.
My take-along items, my mother’s ring and my gran’s bracelet. I wanted to bring them along on the journey, which was comforting to me. Ryan said that my sea-bands (which I wear for motion sickness) made a perfect three generation statement.

THE car, under 6″ of snow. Pretty isn’t it? I’m so glad this didn’t happen til I arrived rather than along the way.
Lily and Stella, who are not enjoying the snow.
A sweet family enjoying a Snow Day.
Why can’t this happen where I live?
Ryan really enjoyed the day.
Stella, enjoying Karen’s rag quilt, snuggly warm.
Where the magic happens, the “Honey and Headphones” podcast studio. We did a podcast for their show while I was out there – it was fun being on the other end. Just click on the link above to tune in!
Stella, enjoying a serenade courtesy of Ryan.
©2009 Annie Smith All Rights Reserved







Celeste
Those videos are great!
Cyn in HI
Oh Annie, thank you so much for sharing all the wonderful videos and all your adventures on this wonderful journey of yours. I feel as if I was right there with you. Living in Hawaii, I loved your snow pics and video. I am so glad that you got to spend time with Ryan and Karen.
Cyn in HI
Kathl
Hi Annie, I’m one of those listeners that is usually behind in the podcasts but when I realized you were on this road trip, I had to check it out! I live in NC too, near Greenville. If you want to make another stop in our wonderful and unusually cold state, you are welcome here anytime!!
Cindy
I have been able to listen to the pod-cast yet but had a minute to watch the video. You just tickle me so! I really had to squint to see those icicles. LOL We are having the worst winter here I’ve seen since I moved here seventeen years ago. I’m glad you enjoyed the snow and had an opportunity to do so
I would feel the same way if I were standing in the ocean right about now! Can’t wait to listen!
claire Graham-Smith
I loved your videos of the beach and in contrast the snow day. I was chucking as I watched the 4″icicles. My son Noah, produce a 4′ icicle a few minutes later from the neighbours roof. I’ll send you the picture!
(disclosure- we live in Vermont)
Pat Leask
Thanks again Annie for taking is “along” on your epic journey – thank goodness that snow held off until after you got there! You guys are such a hoot – at the beach one day and rolling in the snow the next! Guess it would be quite a novelty to you Californians – be glad you don’t get it 4-5 mos. of the year like us – it gets boring very fast! From Pat, in Munster, On. Canada where is a “lovely” -21C today – brrrrr!!
Phyllis in Sonoma
Hey Annie,
You REALLY get around, don’t you? hahaha You were living my dream by driving cross country visiting quilt shops along the way. Next time, I’d like to join you, be your co-pilot … or maybe we can do this in Europe!
Jennifer Ruvalcaba
Those costumes are reeeediculous-awesome! I also liked to see the different beach findings. Thank you for posting this!
Kim
TeeHee…I agree with Pat’s comment above. We get snow from October to March. The first snow fall is beautiful for about 10 minutes until you have to shovel it, and shovel it and shovel it again! ~giggle~
Great podcast Annie! Keep it up!
Kim
TeeHee…I agree with Pat’s comment above. We get snow from October to March. The first snow fall is beautiful for about 10 minutes until you have to shovel it, and shovel it and shovel it again! ~giggle~
Great podcast Annie! Keep it up!
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Susan Van Swearingen
Hi Annie,
What an amazing trip! I once drove from Houston TX to Orlando FL on my own so I could relate to some of your feelings! I laughed with you and I cried with you as I listened each morning on my way to work and each night on my way home. You have such a special spirit, I enjoy your voice, shared information and inspiration.
I hope to meet you in Orlando, Florida someday! We won’t have snow but we do have some fabulous quilt shops!